Exciting shrubs on the horizon
Every year it seems more and more plants are introduced to the market, and while some of them are really just the same old thing under a different name, there are some new introductions which definitely are worth a closer look.
So here’s the lowdown on the ones we’re most excited about:
Twist ‘n Shout Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Phim’)
This is the newest introduction in the “Endless Summer” series of Hydrangea, and continues the Endless Summer tradition of strong reblooming characteristics, on a compact and sturdy plant. The big difference between this variety and the others in the Endless Summer series is that Twist ‘n Shout has lacecap blooms compared to the mopheads on the original Endless Summer and ‘Blushing Bride’. These are going to be available in limited quantities in 2009 and we expect them to be a great addition.
Sunny Knockout Rose (Rosa ‘Radsunny’)
It’s probably safe to say that anybody that has bought plants in the last few years has become familiar with “Knockout” roses. Their disease and pest resistance, and general low maintenance requirements has allowed for a resurgence in rose plantings in the landscape. The Sunny Knockout continues the series with, as you may have guessed by the name, a yellow bloomer. The blooms will start out as a fairly bright yellow, and turn a creamier color as they age, and this variety also has a fragrance!! Again, this is an ’09 introduction that will be available in limited quantities, but we’re hoping we’ll at least get some plants in the store.
Lo and Behold Butterfly Bush (Buddleia ‘Blue Chip’)
Most people are familiar with Butterfly Bushes, but the ones that we’re most familiar with tend to get rather large (5-7′). Not so with ‘Blue Chip’. In fact this one stays short enough in stature that it can be used very effectively in containers! 2009 will be the first time we will be carrying it here at the garden center.
This Butterfly Bush blooms just as profusely as all the others, and is also as easy to care for, but it’s much smaller size makes it a very versatile plant for small spaces, containers, or mixed borders. It has pretty, long lasting blue-purple flowers which, not surprisingly, butterflies love.
This is the first Butterfly Bush to be introduced as part of the “Lo and Behold” series, and plans are underway to introduce other colors in the near future.
Mystical Series™ Hypericum
The Mystical Series™ of Hypericums has brought this Genus of plants into the 21st century! Cut flower growers have known abiout Hypericums for quite a while, but they have never really gained much popularity with home gardeners. This series, first introduced in 2008, has started to change that.
The first thing people tend to notice is the striking berry colors that are available, such as the salmon colored “Mystical Beauty” pictured above, but also, because this series was produced with the cut flower industry in mind, berry production is profuse, and the plant has a great branching habit. We will have a couple of different varieties of this plant available this coming Spring.
Tags: 2009, butterflies, butterfly bush, hydrangeas, Hypericum, introductions, new, plants, roses, shrubs, St. Johns Wort